Savannah Steinly, Chemical Engineering, May 2018

Savannah spent her summer bushwhacking through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest for science! She wanted to understand the connection between soil properties and vegetation recovery on complex topography after a fire disturbance. A typical day of field research included in waking up before the sun to hike mountains and measure trees, estimate ground cover, and collect soil samples, among other data collection methods. By the end of the day, she is tired and completely covered in dead tree ash, but it’s worth it. Outside of the field, she analyzed data, explored the outdoor recreation of the Methow Valley, and binge-watched House of Cards with her field crew.

Engaging in field ecology research has confirmed her interest in pursuing a conservation career, and possibly a research career. She is excited to combine her passion for environmental science with engineering this semester by taking her first course on the chemE environmental track!